Machine for making curved stereotype printing-plates.



C. E. HOPKINS.

MACHINE FOR MAKING CURVED STEREOTYPE PRINTING PLATES.

APPLICATlON FILED DEC- 19 19 11- RENEWED DEC. 7. 1917.

1,286,325. Patented Dec. 3, 1918.

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C. E. HOPKINS.

.MAGHINE FOR MAKING CURVED STEREOTYPE PRINTING PLATES.

APPUCATIOH FILED 05c 19 19!]. RENEWED nzc. 7.1917.

1,286,325. Patented De. 3, 1918.

TSHEETS-SHEET 2.

C. E. HOPKINS.

MACHINE FOR MAKING CURVE!) STEREOTYPE PRINTING PLATES.

APPLICATION FILED DEC- $9 1911. RENEWED DEC. 7.

Patented Dec. 3, 1918.

ISHEETSSHEEI 3.

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'C. E. HOPKINS.

MACHINE FOR MAKSNG CURVED STEREOTYPE PRINTING PLATES.

APPUCATION FILED DEC 1919H. RENEWED DEC. 7, I917. 1,286,325. Patented Dec. 3, 1918.

7 SHEETSSHEEI 4.

Q WW C. E. HOPKINS.

MACHINE FOR MAKING CURVED STEREOTYPE PRINTING PLATES.

APPLICATION FILED 055.19 1911- RENEWED DEC. 7,1917;

Patented Dec. 3, 1918.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

. c. E HOPKINS. MACHINE FOR MAKING CURVED STEREOTYPE PRINTING PLATES.

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g 5 www Q C- E. HOPKINS.

MACHINE FOR MAKING CURVED STEREOTYPE PRINTING PLATES.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. I9 I91]. RENEWED DEC- 7. 1917.

Patented D60. 3, 1918.

75HEET$$HEE[ 7 NS Q3 Wm w? QW/z -M MN Rw CHARLES E. HOPKINS, or PLAIN'FIELD, nnwannsny.

MACHINE FOR MAKING cunvnn srnnnofrrrn PRINTING-PLATES.

Specificationcf L'ettersfatent.

Patented Dec. 3, 1918.

Application filed December 19-, 1911, Serial No. 666,645; KBenewed .Decemher 7, 1917. Serial No; 206,075.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it'lmown thatil, CHARBES -E. HOPKINS,

I acitizenzof the United :States, formerly residing ,atiTaunton, in the county of Bristol and State of Massachusetts, butnow residing-vat ,Plainfield, countyof .Union, and State. gofuNewi-J ersey, have invented anew and useful Machine forihla king Curved Stereotype: Printing-Plates, of Whichthe following is a specification.

This invention relatesto improvements in anold-s for'casting curved stereotype printing plates, mechanism for delivering the platesfrom :the molds, mechanism forxtrimming and shaving the plates, and for thereafter; delivering the trimmed and shaved plates 'to the cooling mechanism, and improvements in rsaidcooling mechanism.

The principal objectsof the invention are to reduce the detail elements to a. minimum :as near as possible at the present time, to reduce thespace occupied by. all thenelements necessaryg for producingcurved stereotype printing plates ready to be immediately attached :to the cylinders of rotary avebeprinting :presses; to provide for antilizing the Waste Water from the cooling chamber of they casting mechanismzto cool the finished stereotype plates,,and :to again utilize it further as a means for operating mechanism for delivering cast stereotype plates from the casting chamber and to aline them with the finishing mechanism, and thereafter by automatically discharging the said Water to cause the casting chamber to close-automatically and position the cooling mechanism so as to receive the finished stereotype plate from the finishing mechanism Further objects of the invention are to cool/the core more rapidly "than heretofore; to provide mechanism of such a character that a much--simpler form of matrix holding and releasingmeans can be employed than heretofore; to dispense with the flexible hose or pipes for conveying \vater to and from the cooling chamber formed in the core, and to utilize the Weight of the waste Water from the cooler to operate the mechanism for delivering the cast plate from the casting chamber; to provide automatic mea-ns for movingvthe pouring sheet free from the cast andfilifting :it out of the way so that tthestereotype plate can be moved for-finishing: also to dispense With the sliding or pivoted bottom ring supports Whichhave :been used in some previous in-- ventions, to provide means whereby as the castingchamber is opening ands-the core turning on 1 its pivot out of the Way, the framescarrying the cast plate is caused to :roll andturn out of casting position to a horizontal position into axial alinement with the finishing mechanism; and to provide a -.construction in which during this rolling and turning 1 movement the pouring sheet cnga-ges stopswhich cause it to separategfronrthe "plate In this Way by :separating the plate from the core before delivering the plate in horizontal position, I 'anra-blegto cause lugs formed on the concave side of the riser :portion of thesterectype plate to come into engagement With corresponding openings made in the extending arms of :aconveying, means. i

The invention also dispenses :With the principle of icastingwthe straight edges of the wurved stereotype lower thanthe type face, which in practice made it necessary to make the 402151 considerably; longer than theztype-face, and also made it/necessary to alter the type chases =so-aslzto form a Wide fiat :groove at both the @top and bottom of the type matrix; and it also-dispenses with the necessity ofch-angingwthe platemargin bars, en-the printing press cylinders so as :to iallowvof the extra length of :plate entering :between {the aforesaid bars. I secure all the advantages :ofncasting the straight margin rlowzby positioning thematrix clamp jawssoias to ;engage the-fiat margins outside of themrd-inary vbolster, vand position the side bars of the plate carrying frame some to iovenlap, but r1101; engage, the raised bolster,:-in doing which a thinlong lip is formedion each straight side of the curved plateyandll utilize this :lip :as a guiding means-afor-the plate-as it ismoved into position indthe 'finishingmechanism: and by a simpleanechanism separate this lip or guide fromfthe platens it is being pushed in the cooling mechanismi Among the objects of the part of the invention relating to theifinishi-ng mechanism are vthe. (fO11@Wing,:'-,A riser or slug is separated from the type portion of :the stereotypeoplate by anwen'tirely newprinciple, dispensing With the revolving planetary saw mechanism and the separate means for carrying the riser free from the machine. In order to accomplish this I employ a ax1s side and at the proper angle to form the necessary bevel while separating the riser from the type portion of the plate.

During this operation the shaving. knife shaft makes one complete revolution carrying the knife which trues up the ribs cast on the concave side and beneath the type face of the stereotype plate. In this invention I employ a hand operated conveyer for moving the stereotype plate from the casting mechanism and positioning it inthe finishing mechanism, and thereafter moving both the type-face portion and the separated riser out of the finishing mechanism. The'type face portion is moved over the revolving straight edge finishing cutters and into position on the cooling mechanism, and the riser is moved on the projecting rails of the cooling'mechanism. In this way the finished platev as well as the riser are delivered back in'the same position as when picked up by the conveyer, and the conveyer is thus brought to proper position to engage the finished plate. The parts are also left directly in front of the operator so that he can pick up the riser and place it in a chute to convey it to the meltingpot, then, in 0peration,= he opens the valve controlling the flow of water to the cooler. Thereupon the water rushes into a distributing pipe positioned in the spray pipe and thereafter into engagement with the concave surface of the finished stereotype plate thereby cooling the plate so that it can be handled. The

parts are designed so that while the shaving and trimming takes place the operator can reposition the matrix, close the casting chamber, and pump the chamber full of metal, it being remembered that the act of closing the chamber moves the cooler into position to receive a plate and slug from the finishing mechanism.

The invention also involves a safety looking means through which it is impossible to start the finishing mechanism if the conveyer or plate lifter is not in proper position or to raise a plate into position in the shavingarch unless it is in exact position to be finished. Means is also provided whereby the operation of the finishing mechanism can be checked at any time, and means for automaticallystopping the finishing mechanism after'each cycle.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will appear hereinafter.

Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings in which- Figure 1 is a side view of a machine constructed in accordance with this invention showing the parts in position for casting finishing mechanism removed, .and part of the pouring sheet broken away;

Fig. 4 is a plan of the casting and cooling mechanism with the casting chamber closed; Fig. 5 is a front end elevation with the parts in the same position with the straight edge finishing mechanism removed;

Fig. .6'isa fragmentary front end elevation showing the mechanism for closing and I opening the matrix clamps; V

Fig, 7 is a sectional view on the line 77 of .Flg. 2 showing the casting chamber opened and the stereotype plate resting on" the side barsof the plate carrying frame;

Fig. 8 is acentral longitudinal sectional view with the parts inthe position shown in Fig. 2; a Fig. 9 is a fragmentary plan showing the mechanismfor moving amatrix clamp in open position as in Fig. 3 with the parts above removed; 1

Fig. 10 is a'horizontal sectional view on the line 10l0 of Fig. 1 on enlarged scale; F1g. 11 is a central longitudinal sectional view of a portion of the finishing. mechanism" showing the tail severed from the plate;

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary side view-partially diagrammatic showing two positions of the core; i I

Fig. 13 is atransverse sectional view on the line 13.l3 of Fig. 2 showing the finishing mechanism in elevation; and

i Fig. let is an end elevation of the machine.

The inventionis shown in a form co1nprising a frame A, an upright concave fixed back :B, plate carrying frame C, core D, cooling device E, conveyer F, shaving arch G, and finishing device,- H. The concave back as stated is mounted vertically between the two side frames'at one end with its concave side facing the opposite end of the frame. At each straight side of the back supported by brackets 20 are vertical shafts 21 to which are fixed extending arms 22; These are shown most clearly in Fig. 10. Each of these arms is provided with hinges 23 forsupporting a matrix bar 2 1 having a lip 25. When the bars are inclosed position upon the straight sides of the back these two lips extend within the concavity of the I back and-overlap the straight margins of a gaging a plate the press, at considerable expense,

above actuated latch to engage flexible matrix m when positioned within the back, as shown in full lines in'Fig. 10. That portion of each hinge 23 which is attached to the bar 24 has an extension 26 normally held against the outside face of the extending arm 22 by a spring 27 when the matrix clamp is in; open position. When the matrix clamps are ,being closed pins: 28 fast on each bar 24 engage the straight sides of the back and force the bars 24 to turn on their hinges simultaneously with the movement of the arms 22. This causes the lips 25 to swing first within and then toward the concavity of the back and engage the flat matrix margin and push it solidly against the concavity ofthe back. That portion 29 of the concavity of the back lying under each lip 25 is formed on av radius from the axis of the pivot shaft 21 so that in opening the casting box the lips can swing forth from the back while the bars 24 are held in alinement with the arms 22, by the lips encarrying frame C. To avoid changing all the margin bars on and the reduction of the length of the type matter of each page, and at the same time form a guide on eachcast plate, 1 position the sides of the plate carrying'frame C so as to overlap but not engage the raised bolster of the matrix, (Fig. 10) and position the matrix clamp bars 24 so, as to engage the usual flat margin of the edge of the matrix. In this arrangement I also dispense with alterations necessary in the iron chases which form a frame about each page of type matter, for molding the wide fiat-bolsters.

By combining the sides of the plate carrying frame C and matrix clamp bars, as stated the stereotype plate P is formed with an extending lip 1? along each outside straight-edge; this lip is used as a guiding means during the action of convey- 1 g the plate from the casting mechanism to and, from thefinishing mechanism, and is removed by edge-trimming cutters.

The two matrix clamps are made to operate in unison through links 31 and 32 fast on the bottom ends of the shafts 21. (Fig. 3). ()n the link 32is mounted a roller 33 which operates in a slot 34 in the link 31. The pivot end teeth which engage corresponding teeth in a rock foot treadle 36 pivoted on the side frame. This treadle is operated when it is desired to commence the casting operation for the purpose of closing. the matrix clamps. The link 32 near its pivot has a projecting arm 37 :which carries a spring with a pin 39 carried on one of the core supportingbracln ets 40. The objectof this latch is to open the matrix clamps and release the matrix automatically when the core begins to turn on its pivot from vertical position toward of the link 31 is formed with open position.- position to ratchet over t 1e latch as the core is closed into the back.

The bottom of the mold is closed by a.

half-ring 41, the inner or upper edge of which is formed with a bevel for forming the required bevel on the lower curved edge ofthe cast plate P; This ring 41 of course joins the lower ends of theside bars 48 with which it is integral, preferably. On the upper ends of the side bars is mounted a cross shaft 42 upon which are mounted rollers 43 which co-act with the core as will appear hereinafter. The plate carrying frame C is mounted on rollers 45 which operate on tracks 46 formed on the top surface of theside framesA. These rollers 45 have studs which are mounted in bearings in brackets 47 formed on the side bars 48 of the frame. To the lower side ends of the side bars 48 are secured studs 49 carrying anti-friction rollers 50 which operate in vertical ways 51 on the side frames A.

The core D is pivoted to the brackets 40 fast to its bottom end. These brackets are mounted inv bearings 53 on cross pieces 54. An inlet water pipe 55 and an outlet water pipe 56 are arrangedat opposite ends of said hollow bearings on the brackets 40. The inlet pipe 55 enters the water chamber'57 of the core at the bottom. (Fig. 8) The outlet pipe extends along the concave side of the core and into the chamber 57 near the top, Both the inlet and outlet pipes are providedwith swivel joints 58 in line with the core pivot axes (see Fig.

5). This permits the pipes to move with the.

A. controlling valve j movement of the core. 59 is positioned in the inlet pipe so that the operator canreguilate the supply of, water.

Each straight side of the core D is provided with matrix clamp lug-stops 60 which, when the castingchamber is closed, move into engagement with the straps of the hinges 23 C to move away from the back and through the guidmg means to be described hereinafter to, turn the frame into horizontal posit-ion.

Mounted vertically on the top ofthe bearings 53 in which the core turns are reciprocable matrix positioning tion to receive the bottom curved edge of the matrix when being positioned. After the matrix-m is positioned and clamped by the closing of the matrix clamps, the st0ps=65 are forced down by the tail ring 41 of the plate carrying frame. This occurs as the In Fig. 9 the pin 39 is in the frame A by stops ('35 (Fig. I), These areforced up by springs 66 into posi- 4W pushes downxon thef I and 'thecast st'ereotypecplate leftthereim' The studs T0 extend through-slotted holes-- 71 in'the-side plates 69 whichall0wthe side plates; Withthe pouring sheet attachedyto' be raised as the plates-engage stops 72'on the side framesA, while the plate'fram'e is turning to horizontal position (Fig. 3).

Eachstraight side of'the core is provided with a fixed side frame 80. Extending .throughthese side frames and operating in -'bearin'gs-81' is a shaft 82'lia ving'anoperating-g handle 83on the=front sidez To each end-of the shaft" is fixed an arm 8 1-; Sliding "1n dove-tailed ways 85 on the outside face'of each of the frames 80 andlocatedjnearthe core are-plungers86. These are operatively connected by links 87 i to the arms 84; Mounted on each-ofa pair of studs 88 (Fig. 4) which connect the arms 84 and links 87" isan 'antifriction rolle'r"89."To' theside frames A are made fast brackets -90having cam'faces against whic'h'the rollers '89'oper-" ate in looking the core into casting position. These parts=areso arranged that 'i rorder to lock the'core in 'casting'position theoperatorha'n dle 83 whereupon the rollers 89 "engage the cam face of j the brackets-90"andfas the movement continues thecore 'is forced into and locked in castingposition; 'When'the-Qcoreis in ca'stingposi tion tlre sw' i-n'gingof the handle-83 in the op posits direction causestheplungers 86-to bear-'onthe un'der sides of the plate carrying frame Upon continuing} the movement the core isthus forcedfawayfrom the' fr'a-me Positionedbetween the frames 80' is the plate cooling mechanism E which comprises a waste water 'pan 96 having an outlet'drip valve 97 'positioned-at its bottonrwhen the core is in its open position. This opening is'so located that it is directly over theflaring endof'a waste pipe 98 fixed into the floor upon WlllCll'tllG: machine stands; I saidwaste pipe has a projecting rod 99 which engages and opensthe drip valve =97 during the final movementfl'of the core "and Y delivery of the,st'ereotyp'e=p'late. This dis% 1 charges-all'thewater from the pan,the2purpose of which'will be described'hereinafter; 5 "gross pieces 101- 'and-'1'02 arei providedto i P whichco-act' With the r theffinishing through a bearing 1 The boxnin': the: concave ends of the stereotype plate when resting on the-guide way on -the topr side-off-the side frame" 80;

102 is of such size that the it plate will pass over it and the cross piece 101 isislightly' larger than the concavity' of the plate-so :as to act' as a positioningstop-therefor.

tending through i the cross piece 101 at-the axis ,of itscurve is awater feed pipe 103' whichisconnected" with v the waste water 1 pipe-56 of-the co1e.-' Positioned-in the'feed of thefeed pipe 103 the cross 105. The feed pipe through which into the spray; 'ppe 105. axially alihedbetwc'en the and 102; and directly over pan96ij the waste water The spray pipe 105' has numerous perforations through its upper half whichflare outwardly so 'th'at whenthewater is forced through the perforations it will i ferm one mass of-"fine'sprays instead of the'small Waste w'aterpan 96 and' supports' one end of a cover lO9fiexten'ding about half way over theopenin'g; thefwater from overflowing as the-cooler is tipped in=openingthe casting chamber.

A1 counter ba-lance '110 for the core and cooler is pivoted 0nthe' rear frame beneath I'HGCllfiIIlSIH' H and 1s connected by a flexible "connection T11 1 which passes over a grooved pulleyyl lfl'with' 113 extending down andgfo'rming part of the rear of wire rope;

vent the rope from holding the core '1) the waste water'has been-discharged; a locking hook 115 is pivoted inthe front frame by a short shaft 116- which extends out in the frame Fast to this short shaft is a foot treadle'll'l extending atabout right angles from the'hook. The treadle is provided with a; counterweight 119. When the hook isin' engagement with a pin 120pos3itioned onthe front frame of the cooler; the'core is firmly held in open position. brought to open position thepin' 120 passes over the inclinededge of the hook! and the counter-weight"brings the hook back to lockingposition. 7

Having described thecasti-ng and cooling mechanism shown in'the drawings, I will now describe thespecific mechanism illus tratechfor shMing-Ofltheribs cast on the These pre-- I vent thewater from flying out; Cross piece This cover 109 prevents a: short arm side-frame of the" cooler." This" flexible connection,"preferably in the form? is guided overa rod 1114 extending-out from the side 'frame"to pre-" interfering 'withjthec'ore'; lockingmechanism. For thehpurposexof I in open position-against the weightbfthe counter-balance l1'0"after When the. parts are streams that-would'be producedby straight openings; 1 A rod' 108 extends" across the interior surface'of lthe'type' portion of the plate, separting the riser from and trimming the straight edges of'the type portion'of-the plate and conveying 'the pla'te to and from that portion of the machine.

The side frames are provided rwi'th'ledges 130 on which is supported the arch Grslightly outof aXial alinement with the stereotype plate when it rests 'onthepla-te carrying frame in horizontalposition. The interior circumference of the arch is slightly 'less than'the exterior-of the type face portion of the curved stereotype plate. 'Theu'driving shaft 131 ofthe machine operates in bearings 132for1ned upon th'e cross frame 133. 011 the driving shaft is-a bevelgear 13f which meshes with and drives a bevel gear 135 fast on a sholt shaft 136. This short shaft operates in a bearing 137' formed in the cross frame 133. East on this shaft 136 is a gear 138 meshing'with agear 139 loosely mountedon the knife shaft 140. The shaft 131 is provided with a worm 1 11 fast thereon, which drives a worm gear 142 on the knife shaft 140. Inthisway theknife shaft is driven slowly. The knife shaft is axially 11 arch.

alined with the archand supported in bearings 143 at either end. shaving knife 11% is fiXECltO a fiang'e'1a5 formedv along that portion of the Loosely mounted upon the knife shaft MO is a support 148. It is attached to and made to travel around'with the gea1"'139, which isloosely mounted on the knife shaft'as has been stated. On this support is a tool holder 149 set atan angle. Extending" beyond'the arch and knife and underneath where the riser'portion of the stereotypeplate rests when in positionto be shaved and'trimmed is a sinipletrimming tool 159 in the tool holder. Said tool'and holder are carried by the support 14:8 loosely mounted on the knife shaft 1-10. Fastened to'the kn'ifeshaft bear ing'113 onthe' frame 133 and axially positioned with respect to the knife shaft is a return.

round box or cover 151. This envelops the gear 139 and is provided with a cam groove 152 formed in its internal face. Loosely keyed on the knife shaft 140' so as to rotate with it is a sleeve 153. One end of the sleeve is shaped to form a disk 15% and-to the opposite end is fastened an arm 155 car rying' a roller 156 which operates inthe cam groove 152. The disk 154 is ma'deto operate in a groove 157 formed in andnear the inner end of the tool holder 149. Upon each revolution of the knife'shaft the cam 152 causes the disk to advance slowly, thereby causing the tool to pass through the stereotype plate, separate the riser, and thereafter quickly It will be seen that while the knife is caused .to make one revolution with its shaft H0, the trimming tool 150 is caused to reknife shaft underneath the vol ve 'at considerable speed about the axis of the knifeshaft 140, and to advance simultaneously atft'he proper angle away from thisya'xis: until itis engaged by the stereotype plateheld in the arch It cuts its way through so ast'o separate the riser from the type face and properlybevel off the curved edge of the plate. (See Fig. 11.)

F or the purpose of stopping the knife shaft 140"and' co-acting' mechanism after each cycle'of operations, the following mechanism is shown :-'A clutch mechanism is provided between the ,driving pulley 160 and the driving shaft 131 on which this pulley isfl'ooselyfmounted. This clutch mechanism comprises a: movable jaw 161 on the driving shaft, and an opposite 162 fixed toa sleeve 159 loose'on the shaft 131. The movable jaw is caused to' travel with the shaftthrough a sliding key l63. The sleeve 159 extends through 'the shaft bearing and the'driving pulley 169 which is keyed to it so that when the clutch jaws are disengaged the pulley 160 and its co-acting jaw 162 can continueto' run while the knife shaft and co-acting parts are at rest. I A

* The clutch'is held out of operation by the following mechanism; A roller 16% is fast on a crossbar 165 and engages in a groove 166 of the slide'j aw 161. v A pin 167 positioned on the face'of the knife shaft worm gear 142 engages a projection 168 on the cross bar 165. The cross bar is forced toward the engaged "position by a spring 169. The

clutch end of the crossbar is positioned against the rear cross shaft bearing 132. It operates about 'a stud 181 fast on said bearing. The front end, however, is made to operate in a'slot formed on the front hearing 132. "Therefore, the cross bar can be lowered suiiicientlyto release its projection 168 from engagement with the pin 167 on the worm gear. 'This'cross bar 165 is removably held in raised position by a coir necting link 18 i. Said link is connected by a 'studj185 to an a'rm186 fast on a trip treadle shaft187. On this shaft is a trip 188 which is pressed down'to pull down the connectinglink and disengage the crossbar projection 168 from engagement with the stop pi'n 167 on the worm gear, thereby starting that part of the mechanism.

' 'On the main driving shaft 131 is the main driving pulley 160 which by a belt drives a flanged pulley 123 on the end of a shaft 125 supported in a bracket 126 fixed to the frame A. 7 When the cooler is alined in position to receive a plate, a friction pulley 127 on the shaft 125 engages another friction p'ulley'128 mounted on a shaft 129. The shaft 129is positioned near the ends of the cooler frame in bearings, (see Figs. 2 and a) and upon it are mounted circular straight edge cutters K which a-re let into the guide way.

*I will now describe the mechanism F illustrated in the drawings for conveying, lifting and locking the stereotype plate in position in the arch, and thereafter conveying it back to the edge trimmers and water cooling mechanism. The stereotype platelifter and guide ways consist of two long bars 170 and 171 arranged with their edges nearly alined with, but below, the straight edges of the arch G and tied together. by cross bars 172 at each end. The plate lifting frame is pivoted to brackets 173 (Figs. 3 and 14) which are fast on ledges formed at the top of the rear side frame A. The front side ofthe lifter frame is supported-by a stud operating in one end of an arm 174, the opposite end being joined by a stud 175 tofone end of a second arm 176, extending upward from a rock shaft 177. This consequently forms a toggle mechanism through which the operator can raisethelifter and stereotype plate into position in the arch by moving a lever 178 fast onone end of the said'shaft 177 Extending across the machine is a rock shaft 180 operated by a hand lever 281. 'On this rock shaft and alined with the plate ,lifter are fixed telescoping arms 282, the

top of these arms being joined by a stud 283 to slide pieces 284. These slide pieces are moved "back and forth in recesses 285 formed on the inside faces-of the bars 170 and 171 by the aforesaid connections. To the slide pieces 284 are fastened extending arms 286 each having a-recess 287 into which engages the lug P of the stereotype plate to be conveyed. Positioning'stops 288 are placed inthe path of the arms'286 for the purpose of stopping the forward movement of the conveying mechanism so as to properly position the stereotype'plate beneath and within the arch ready to be lifted and thereafter shaved and trimmed.

For the purpose of preventing the machine being put out of commission through any forgetfulness on the part of the operatoly'mecha-nism is provided in the form of safety stops, safety lugs, and trip to make it impossible'to start the finishing mechanism unless the different operations have beencarried out in theproper order and to make it impossible to move any part of the machine by hand during the cycle of movement after it has been started. .The conveyer must move forward and comeinto contact with stops 288 on the frameand the plate lifter must be elevated before the operator can trip and thereby start the.1nechanism. The act of tripping the starting mechanism locks the plate lifter in its elevated position, and at the same time locks the conveyer and it becomes impossible to move either the lifter or conveyer so long as the mechanism is in motion. If it is necessary, however, for any cause to stop the mechanism before it finishes its cycle of op eration, the operator simply steps on a trip treadle and the mechanism comes to rest.

This mechanism will now be described. On

with the positioning stop 288, in which position, the bearing191 is beyond the'forward end of the bar 190 and the plate lifter can toggles which straightening moves the forward end of the bar 190 beyond the bearing 191 on the face of the telescope arm and thereby locks the conveyer between the bear ing 191 and the positioning stop 288. prevent the movement of the bar 190 from behind the bearing 191 on the telescoping arm during the operation of the machine, there is arranged on the end of the toggle shaft 17": a short arm 192. When the toggles are extended the short arm. 192 engages the end of arocking lock arm 193 on a short shaft 194. On this shaft 194k also is an arm 195 connected to the cross bar 165. The operation of the bar 165 causes the lock arm 193 to move into the path of the short arm be elevated by the straightening out of the i 192 on the toggle shaft and locks the togr gles in the extended position. At the same time a hoox, 196 positioned on the toggle shaft 177 will be disengaged from under a projection 197 formed on the arm 186 on the trip shaft 187 on which is located the trip treadle 188 for releasing the trip so that the operator can start the mechanism. As the mechanism nears the end of the cycle of motion the pin 167 on the gear 1 12 en gages the projection 168 on the'cross bar 165 and forces the bar to withdraw the clutch jaws from engagement whereupon the mechanism stops. In case it should become necessarv to stop the mechanism before the end of the cycle the operator pushes down heavily on thetrip treadle 188. This movement causes the arm 186 to act with the treadle movement and bring a projection 198 into engagement with the connecting link 18% between the arm 186 and the cross bar 165. This causes the bar 165 to be forced forwardso as to throw the movable member of the clutch out of engagement. The treadle 188 is provided with a counterbalance weight 200 to hold the pedal and connecting parts in operative position.

The operation is as follo\\'s:-Starting with the casting chamber open and the core D withdrawn in the position shown in Fig.

2, the operator curves the flexible matrix to suit the concavity of the back and lowers it a the cooler intoposition.

This causes the matrixclamps to swing inwardlyonztheir pivots and'carry the bars 24 over thestraight position in the-concave baoka Having thus positioned the a matrix he now releases the locking? hook 1l5x-vhich holds the core in open position whereupon the core .counter-balance-llO causes thesaid core'to rise and swingvinwardly O111ll3S pivots toward the back; This-allows the plate carrying frame C to turn on its pivots into vertical osition Withinthe' back and the further movement of thecore toward the back brings the plungers 86 on the side of Then the operator pushes down on'the operating handle 83 and thereby locks thecore and frame in position for casting. "-1": The operator now fills the: casting chamber,5 in {any usual manner, as by means of a pump or ladle.- -After-allowing the proper time; for cooling the operator-presses down onthe handle 83 which acts-to first unlock the: locking device and thereafter separates the core D from the plate carrying frame "G iii-Which the cast'fiplate is-now hel'd.,v If thereis no'cast inj the finishing mechanism H to be. cooled d'uringithe solidifyingof the metal in the casting; chamber, the operator should open the water valve 59 rtorallo v sutficient water to run- ;into the cooler, basin; :to act -as a counter-Weight" to I deliver the coast 1 i ,t lt The cast plate now beingdelivered-With the plate carrying framejresting -on.the frame A the operator graspsthe-hand lever 281 and pushes toward/the finishing, mechanism. This moves the stereotype plate o-fi the plate, carrying frame C and positions" it invthe finishingmechanism H; Having the plate, located he pushes in-,on the clever 178to operate the togglesl74+l76 and raise-the stereotype plate up into the locked position in the arch G. The plate is now in pfosition for finishing, To start the finishing mechanism I the operator; pushes down lightly on the trip treadle 1 88. I While the finishing mechanism is operate in}; he repositions thematrixforanothencast or positions a new matrixycloses thenasting chamber, and fills the chamberwith-metal. It; isrduring this time that the finishing mechanism operates to 1 separate the riser from the type face of the, stereotype plate as well :as to true ofl' the rifbs beneath ithe type face; The finishing 1 mechanism having-finiished its cycle of operation; stops; automati .cally as has been stated. Theoperator 1 by first pulling-out on- IthErlBVQIi 178 lowersv the toggle mechanism and allows the stereotype plate .to come down from; engage nent with the. arch. Then he reverses itheylever 281 and pushes the riserand tivzpe 3118 z portion out of:- the nfiflishingf lnie'chanismj UOYQI'Q the straight edge tool and into; position n the -tionlcan'be carried out in othertorms and with other details":oficonstructioh;--There foreI- do not wish to be limited to the details herein shownand described, "but what I do claim-is: r -11. '1 In' aistereot y'pe plate casting apparatus the combination with a fixed back, of a -core movable toward from; the; :back and means independent: of the coreat all times betweeiithe core and back for moving the castplate frdmthe-back; r 2.-:In-a zstereotypeplate casting apparatus,

the combinationwithra- 'mold half, of'a sec ond moldrhalf movable towardand from the first mold half; T and m earns independent of the'second moldhalf 'for moving the :cast plate from the casting apparatus in 1 a path difi'erent from: but adj acent"to, the; path of thesecondr'moldhalfi'ia A :0 In :a' stereotypeplate casjtingl apparatus; the combinationwwith a: fixed vertical bacln of1 a core adapted'tomove' into the back, and

means'movabl'e independently of the core" but iirthe plane .of the: core "arid-back for mov ingxa cast plate from rthezback and liftingu its lower wen'ol @to 'lbring the plate into substantially horizontal positiom'g- 1 8- 17 q -44 lira stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination with fixedvertical back; of a core pivoted tosaid back-near the lower end thereof, :wherebysaid core can be swun 9; on itspivot-into the back and away. from'it,

and-a plate'carrying frame 'arranged to' move from avertical position adjacent to the back intowa substantially horizontal position over the corelwith araplate thereon.- .7 In alst'ereotype plate casting apparatus, the-,-conibination' with-a back, of:a-,core, and means-independent of both back and core for moving the 4 cast plate tro'm between said Coreandhback into a position directly over the corewhen withdrawn from'theback.

v I Ina stereotype plate casting apparatus, I

thecomhination with a back, of a core, one fixed and the other inovableaway from it, means; to; holding; a castplate in the fixed part as the movable one is moved away; from it: {and means; for'deliveringthe cast plate direct y;- 'qmth fixedpa in hew sa irection'in-w-hich the movable part moves. I 3:: In a stereotypeplate castingiapparatus, thez m ina ion Wi -lira ackaozta core; d

" ed toswingout-of the back, and a plate zontal position over the core. I

- 9. In a stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination with'a frame having a vertical casting box fixed thereon, of a corefpivoted near-the bott'om'thereof to swing from thehcasting' box,"'and a platecarrying frame independent of the core having a pivotab'out which itis adapted to swing from the cast- .ing box into inclinedfposition,"said frame into and guided by said slots,- whereby said said plate carrying frame.

having means for guiding said pivotlongitudinally to bring the plate carrying frame into substantially horizontal Position.

' 10. In astereotype plate casting apparatus, the'combin'ation of'a frame having-a vertical back fixed thereon and provided with verti; cal slots near the edge ofsaid back, ofa plate c'arryin'gframe having studsexten'di'ng plate carrying'frame can'swing into the back and can move outwardly from theback and its lower end can then be raised in theslots.

- 11. In a stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination of a frame havingaverti cal backi fixed thereon and provided with vertical slots near the edges of said back, of a plate carrying frame having studs extending into and guided'by said slots, and a horizontalguide on said framefor the support of 12. In a stereotype'plate' c a'stingapparatus, the combination with a concave back, of

a guide parallel with the straight edges thereof, a plate carryingframe having a "stud movable along said guide and a transverse guide for the other end of the frame. '13. In astereotypeplate'castingapparatus, the combination with a back and a core, of a plate carrying frame movable from vertical to horizontal position and comprising a hotto'mring, two "side members, and a pouring "sheet, with means whereby the pouring sheet is raised to separate from the cast plate as the carrying frame turns to horizontal position.

' M. In a stereotyp'e'splate casting apparatus the combination witha back and a core, of aplate carrying frame, having a pouring sheet attached tofoppositejstraight edges of the frame, and means for separating the pouring'sheetfrom the cast plate without "disconnecting either end of saidsheet from the frame.

'15. In a stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination with a vertical back, of a core pivoted to said back near the lower end thereof, a plate carrying frame arranged to move from the back into a substantially horizontal position with a plate thereon, matrix clamps carried by the back, and means movable with the core for locking said clamps in closed position.

16. In a stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination with a back having matrix clamps adapted to swing inwardly toward itsedges, of a core movable toward and from the back, and matrix clamp locks mounted on said core for forcing the clamps radially inward against the outside straight edges of the back. 7 V

I 17. In a stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination with an upright back having vertical matrix clamps at its edges, of a cOre movable-toward and from s the back, a shaft on the core having arms thereon, links connected with said arms, and plungers on said links, for releasing the core.

18. In a stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination with a back, ofa core pivoted to it, a pair of matrix clamps located at the edges of the back, a shaft for each matrix clamp, means'for connecting said shafts to operate simultaneously, a lever for operating said shafts, a treadle for operating the lever, and means co-actingwith the core whereby said'matrix'clamps can be operated simultaneously to open as the core turns on its pivot. I

19. In 'a stereotype plate casting appara tus, the combination with a back,.of a pair of shafts thereon, -matri'x' clamps on said shafts, each having an arm thereon, one

arm having-a slot, and theother apin working in said slot, whereby the oscillation of one shaft will cause the other to be oscillated. I

20. In a stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination with a back for supporting a matriX, of a shaft carried by said back, a two-part arm on'the shaft having a pivot between its parts, and means on the 'outer part of the arm for clamping the matrix against the back.

21;'In a stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination with a back for supporting a matrix, of a shaft carried by said backyan arm on the shafthaving a pivot between its ends, means on the end of the 1 arm for clamping the matrix against the back, and positive means for swinging the outer end of the arm inwardly toward the casting box faster than the rest of the arm.

'22. In a stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination with, a casting box, of a'jmatrix'clamping arm mounted to swing on a pivot 'and provided witha pivot joint between its'ends', the outer end having a projection extending inwardly beyond the joint,

and positivemeans for engaging said extension as the arm moves toward the box to cause the outer end of the arm to swing iiiwardly at a more rapid rate than the rest of the arm.

23. In a stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination with a casting box, of a matrix clamping arm pivoted thereon having a pivot joint between its ends, the outer end being provided with two projections extending inwardly beyond the pivot joint, a spring for engaging one of said projections to hold the outer end yieldingly away from the box, and positive means for moving the outer end of the arm toward the box as the arm swings inwardly.

24. In a stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination with a casting box, of a matrix clamping arm pivoted thereon in two parts hinged together, and means for moving the outer part of the arm toward the box on its hinge as the whole arm swings inwardly, said arm having a transverse projection on its outer end arrangedto everlap the edges of a matrix held in the box and to extend substantially to the bolster thereoii 25. In a stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination with a vertical back, of a core arranged to swing outwardly from the back into inclined position, matrix clamps on the back, and manually controlled means mounted on the core for engaging the back when the core is in position therein and efiecting a separation between the core and back.

26. In a stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination with a vertical back, of a core arranged to swing outwardly from the back into inclined position, matrix clamps on the back, manually controlled means mounted on the core for engaging the back when the core isin position therein and effecting a separation between the core and back, anda counter-balance weightfor the core to normally turn it to vertical position within the back.

27. In a stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination with a back, of a core, means mounted on the core for engaging the back when the core is in position. therein and effecting a separation between the core and back, and a counter-balance weight for the core to normally turn it to position within the back.

28. In a stereotype plate casting: apparatus, the combination with a vertical back, of a core arranged to swing outwardly from the back into inclined" position, matrix clamps on the back. manually controlled means mounted on the core for engaging the back when the core is in position therein and effecting a separation between the core and back, and a gravity catch for automati- Cally lockingthe corein its. inclined. position ratus, the combination with an upright back,

of a core pivoted thereto near the bottom. a counter-balance for the core, a locking device for locking the core in retracted posi- -ticn, and a treadle for releasing the core from the locking device.

30. In a stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination with the core pivoted to swing about a pivot, a pivoted counter- WGIghtI OI the core, a pulley above the counterweight, and a flexible connection passing over the pulley, one end being connected with the countenweight, and the other with the core.

31. The combination with a stationary casting box or back, of a movable core, a resiliently mounted matrix positioning stop at the end of the back for receiving the edge of the matrix when being positioned, and a tail ring movable into the backfor engaging the-stop and forcing it down.

I 32. In a stereotype plate casting device, the combination with a casting box, of a plate carrying frame for delivering a plate from the casting box having side bars overlapping the raised bolster of the matrix to form a thin. long lip on each straight side of the curved plate.

33. In a stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination of a cooling device for cooling a cast plate, means for delivering cast plates from the casting box, means whereby the cooling water operates to assist said means for delivering the cast plates, and

means for automatically discharging the water to cause the casting chamber to close automatically.

34. In a stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination with the back. a movable core, a counter-weight for the core, means for cooling the cast plate, and means for holding the cooling medium in position to over-balance the counter-weight.

In a stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination with a pivoted core having means for introducing a coolingmedium therein, and a trough for receiving the cooling medium therefrom located in position for the cooling medium received therein to act as a weight to assist in moving the core on its pivot.

36. In a stereotype plate casting appav ratus, the combination of a core pivoted beyond one end thereof, means for introducing a cooling fluid into the core throu h the pivot, a pipe carried by said core and connecting with the pivot for receiving the cooling fluid therefrom, a device for cooling the plates connected with said pipe for receiving cooling fluid therefrom. and a trough for receiving the cooling fluid from said to the cast plate.

38. In a stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination with a back,"and a core movable toward and from the back, of

a cooling device for the plates projecting transversely from the side of the core opposite the back.

39'. Ina casting box, the combination of a hollow cylindrical core, a spray pipe/having outwardly flaring perforations through the side thereof adjacent to the curved walls of the core, and a feed pipe extending'into said spray pipe and connected with a source of water supply and provided with perforations therein on the side opposite the perforations in the spray pipe.

- 40. In a stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination with a casting box and finishing means spaced therefrom, of a movable core havingcooling means in position.to cool a plate while supported independently of the core and located between the casting box and finishing means.

41. In a stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination with a casting box and finishing means spaced therefrom, of a movable core having cooling means in position to cool a plate located between the casting box and finishing means, while the core is in casting position in the back.

42. In a stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination with a casting box and finishing means spaced therefrom, of a mov able core having cooling means in position to cool a plate located between the casting box and finishing means, and means for withdrawing a cast plate from the back independently of the core and placing it in position over the core between the casting box and finishing means.

43. In a stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination with a casting box and a core movable toward and from the same, of a finishing means, means for moving a cast plate into position in alinement with the finishing means, and trimming saws mounted on the core in position to trim the edgesof the plate as it moves from the finishing means. I

44. In a stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination with a verti al back, of a core arranged to swing outwardly from the back into inclined position matrix clamps on come into contact with the'first named friction pulley ,when the core is moved position in the back. 7

45. In a stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination wlth aback and a movint-o able core, of a support for a plate in position adjacent to the core when the core is incasting position in the back, edge trimming cutters carried by said core, a friction pulley fixed with respect to the edge trimming cutters, a finishing mechanism located beyond'the said plate support, and a friction pulley operated by the finishing mecha nism and located'in position to be engaged by the first named friction pulley and to drive it when the core is in casting position.

46. In a stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination with a back and a movable core,- of a finishing mechanism, edge trimming cutters carried by the core, and means connected with the finishing mecha nism for driving the edge trimming cutters when the core is in casting position.

47. In a stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination with a back and movable core,'of a finishing mechanism, a support for a plate located betweenthe back and finishing mechanism, edge trimming cutters movable with the coreand in position to trim the edge of a plate moving to said support from the finishing mechanism, and means connected with the finishing mechanism for operating said cutters when the core is in casting position in the back.

48. In a stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination with a back and core, of a shaving device, an edge trimming device, and means for conveying theplates into the shaving device, and then conveying them back toward the back to the edge trimming device. i

49. In a stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination with a back and movable core, of a finishing device, a support for the cast plate between the back and finishing device, and a conveyer movable into position to deliver the cast plate after it is delivered from the casting box on said support and also movable from said position through the finishing device and back to original position, and having means for operatively engaging the cast plate during all of said motion.

50. In a device of the character described, the combination of'a support for a cast stereotype plate, a finishing device, and a reciprocating. conveyer having a notch for receiving a portlon of the cast plate and movable from a position between the sup port and finishing devlce to the opposite end of the fimshing device and back again,

and arranged and adapted-to retain its hold on the cast plate during its entire operation.

tween the support and finishing device to the opposite end of the finishing deviceand back again, and arranged and adapted to rretainta hold on the cast plate during the entire motion. I

52. In a machine of the class described,

the combination of a casting device, a finishing. device, a support for the cast plate :located between the casting {lBVlCB' and finishing. device. means for, transferring the plate from the casting device to the said support, and means for moving the plate from said support into the finishing device .and for thereafter moving the plate back on the support.

53. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a casting device, a finish- 'ing device, a support for the castplate located between the casting device and finish ing device, means for transferring the plate from the casting device to the said support, and means for moving the plate from said support into the-finishing device and for thereafter moving the plate back on the support, the last named means comprising a reciprocating conveyer for engaging the plate while on the support and retaining its engagement with the plate while in the finishing device.

54. In a stereotype plate apparatus, the combination of a vertical casting mechanism with a horizontal finishing mechanism alined therewith, a conveyer in alinement with the casting and finishing mechanism, said casting mechanism having means for forming means on the cast plate for engaging the conveyor, and means for delivering the plate from the vertical casting position to a horizontal position and in engagement with the conveyen.

55. In a machine for finishing curved stereotype plates, the combination of a plate support, an arch, means for conveying a plate from the support, to and beneath the arch, means for holding the plate in the arch, means for shaving the interior of the plate, means for separating the riser from said plate, edge trimming tools, a cooling mechanism and means for moving the plate from the arch by the tools and to the cooling mechanism.

. 56; In a stereotype platecasting apparatus, the combination of a casting box, a finishing mechanism, cooling device for cooling. a cast plate, means for delivering cast plates fromthecasting box, means whereby the cooling water operates to assist said means for delivering the cast plates, and means for automatically discharging the wa-- ter to cause the casting chamber to close automatically, and to position the cooling mechanism to receive the finished plate from the finishing mechanism.

57. In a stereotype plate machine, the

combination with a casting device, of an arch for receiving the plate, a support between said arch and casting device for receiving. the plate from the'casting device, and means for engaging the plate while on the'support', moving it into the arch, and moving it back again on the support.

58. In astereotype plate machine, the combination witha casting device, 'of 'an arch for receiving a plate, a support substantially in axial alinement with the arch for receiving a plate from the casting device,

means for raising a plate in the arch, and means for engaging a plate on said support,

moving it into the arch, retaining its engagement therewith, again on'thesupport.

59. A transferring device for stereotypeplates, comprising meansv adapted to swing about an axis arranged transversely: with reference to the plate, said "swinging means having devices adapted to engage the plate and hold it while it is lifted out of the and moving it back casting apparatus andtransferred toia suitable support.

60. A transferring devicefor curvedstereotype plates, comprising a frame having side bars adapted to engage and support the straight edges of a plate and provided with an end ring adapted to engage and support the end of the plate, and means on said frame, whereby when the frame is drawn back one end will move horizontally and its other end will move up until the frame is in horizontal position.

61. A transferring device for curved stereotype plates, comprising a frame having side bars adapted to engage and support the straight edges of a plate and provided with an end ring adapted to engage and support the end of the plate, a horizontal track, a vertical guide, and means whereby when the frame is drawn back its upper end will move horizontally along the track and its lower end will move up along the guide until the frame is in horizontal position.

62. A transferring device for curved stereotype plates,comprising a frame having side bars adapted to engage and support the straight edges of a plate and provided with an end ring adapted to engage and support the end of the plate when the plate is substantially in vertical position, a horizontal track, a vertical guide, and means on said frame for engaging the track and guide, whereby when the'frame is drawn back its upper end will move horizontally along the track and its lower end will move up along the guide until the frame" is in horizontal position. w

63. A transferring device for stereotype printing plates comprising means independent of the casting back for engaging a plate, said engaging means being movable to lift the plate from one part of the casting apparatus and transfer it toa suitable support.

64. A transferring device for stereotype printing plates comprising means independent'of the casting back for engaging the plate,-said engaging means being movable to lift' the plate and swing it about an axis to asuitable support located at a level above the center of the casting back.

65."In a stereotype plate casting apparatus, the combination of a casting box, a cooling device for cooling a cast plate, means for delivering cast plates from the casting box, means whereby the cooling water operates to assist said means for delivering'the cast plates, and means for automatically discharging the water to cause the casting chamber to close automatically.

66. In a stereotype plate casting apparatu's, the combination of a casting box,

a finishing mechanism, a cooling device'for cooling a cast plate, means for delivering cast plates from the casting box, means whereby the cooling water operates to assist Copies of this patent may be obtainedfor said means for delivering the cast plates, and means for automatically discharg ng the water to position the cooling mechanlsm to receive the finished plate from the finishing mechanism.

67. In a machine for casting curved stereotype printing plates, the combination with a vertical casting box, of means for taking the cast plate therefrom independently of the back and core of said casting box and swinging it through an angle.

68. In a machine for making stereotype printing plates, the combination with a mold for the plate, of a frame mounted adjacent thereto, means on said frame for engaging the plate, and separating it from both the back and core of said mold when the frame moves away from the "mold, and guideways in position for receiving the plate from said separating means.

69. The combination with a vertical mold part for a concave printing plate, of a swinging frame pivoted at the end of said mold part to swing on a transverse axis carrying a second mold part, means independent of the swinging frame for engaging the plate onsaid mold part and taking it away therefrom and from the swinging frame, and guideways for receiving the plate from said frame longitudinally.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand," inthe presence of two subscribing witnesses. I

CHARLES E. HOPKINS. Witnesses:

ALBERT E. FAY, C. FORREST WESSON.

five cents each, by addressing theflQommissioner of Patents, Washington, D. G. 1 

